scitechcox - Rube_Goldberg

Introduction:

Activity:

Deadlines:

Introduction:

Simple machines are often put in series with other simple machines to do complex tasks. We call these "compound machines". Our State Standards in Science require us to "Apply physical technologies of structural design, analysis and engineering, ... structural production, ... research and design to real world problems." This project is your chance to show these skills!

Activity:

Your assignment is to design and build a Rube Goldberg Device that sounds an alarm, raises a flag, or achieves some other goal approved by Mr. Cox.
You may work alone or with one other person taking Mr. Cox’s Science & Technology class.
Your Device should incorporate a variety of simple machines into a compound machine that achieves your goal.

Deadlines:

Design Due: Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Progress Report: Thursday, December 6, 2012
Device Due: Thursday, December 13, 2012

Grading Rubric:

RG Design

A Good (3.0) RG Design will include:

at least four different simple machines integrated into a compound machine.
accurate labels of the input and output distances for each simple machine.
a detailed description of how the output of one simple machine leads to the input of the next machine.

An Excellent (4.0) RG Design will include:

at least six simple machines integrated into a compound machine.
at least three instances where stored energy is released during the operation of the machine.
a three dimensional sketch of the operation of the project.

An Amazing (5.0) RG Design will include:

six different simple machines integrated into a compound machine.
at least one instance of a large force input transformed into a large distance output.
at least one instance of a large distance input transformed into a large force output.

RG Device

A Good (3.0) RG Device will include:

labels identifying at least four different simple machines integrated into a compound machine.
labels showing accurate calculations of estimated MA for each simple machine.
a verbal explanation of how the output of one simple machine leads to the input of the next machine.

An Excellent (4.0) RG Device will include:

at least six simple machines integrated into a compound machine, no larger than 55 cm x 55 cm x 55 cm.
at least three instances where stored energy is released during the operation of the machine.
a project made entirely of junk-drawer parts.

An Amazing (5.0) RG Device will include:

six different simple machines integrated into a compound machine that works without intervention on two of three successive attempts.
at least one instance of an innovative design component.
at least one instance of a novel use of a common item.

RG Reflection

An additional 5 quality points will be assessed for a thoughtful written reflection of the project, from its original conception to its public demonstration.
Please write a thorough reflection on your experience with the Rube Goldberg Project, in 250-500 words. You may address any or all of the following points
- How did your project change, from its original approved design to its finished product? Why did you change it?
- What did you learn about yourself during this project? (Strengths? Weaknesses? Interests?)
- What was the most interesting part of your project? Did it receive the attention it deserved?
- What was the most frustrating part of your project? How did you deal with the frustration?
- What attracted your attention about someone else's project? Explain.
- If you had a full eight-hour day in a well-equipped workshop, what would you do to make your project better?
You will be given a chance in class to write and submit this reflection.